First, some facts. Of the International Relations and Affairs graduates from University of Colorado Boulder we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 16 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 49%, International Relations and Affairs graduates from University of Colorado Boulder have a much lower likelihood (-18%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, only 31% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests a Bachelors degree is enough for most International Relations and Affairs graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.
See the details:
Relevance score: 72%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2012 from University of Colorado Boulder with a Bachelors Degree in International Relations and Affairs. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONSales RepresentativeSherri Hill Inc. Aug 2012 - May 2014 Director of Marketing Drop Ship Lifestyle May 2015 - Aug 2018 Co-Founder Umai Marketing Sep 2018 - Present Mentor & Master Teacher SKU Jan 2022 - Present Board Member Naturally Austin Apr 2023 - Present ABOUTWhat began as a career in fashion sales ultimately revealed my passion for crafting and curating next-level visual content + managing large-scale growth campaigns. It began in Saigon, Vietnam. While engrossing myself in the entrepreneurial scene, I launched multiple eCommerce businesses from the ground up. Well equipped for my next challenge, I returned to the states as Director of Marketing for Drop Ship Lifestyle where I swiftly 10x'd the business by leveraging Facebook advertising, sales funnels, and email campaigns. Most importantly, I grew an innovative team and realized project- and client-based work had been my true calling from the get-go.In 2018, I co-founded a boutique CPG marketing agency: Umai Marketing.At Umai Marketing, the greater social media management realm is our wheelhouse. With an unparalleled focus on visual in-house content, we lay a solid foundation for increasing organic reach and well outperform others in Facebook + Instagram advertising.Our Specialties: Social Media Management Facebook/Instagram Advertising Influencer/Affiliate Marketing Content Creation Email Marketing Creative StrategyIf youre a CPG brand looking to Do Good, striving to put your product in the hands of those that need it most, Umai Marketing is here to elevate your mission.Book a free strategy call today: www.umaimarketing.com |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From the analysis of LinkedIn profiles of International Relations graduates from the University of Colorado Boulder, it seems like a wide variety of roles have emerged, but only a handful seem closely linked to their field of study. Many graduates have ventured into hospitality, aviation, sales, and positions within the service industry, which don't directly apply the diplomatic, political, or economic concepts they learned during their degree. For instance, roles like sommelier, waitstaff, and various positions in customer service or sales seem prevalent and primarily focus on interpersonal skills rather than international strategies or policy analysis.
On the other hand, there are some notable exceptions. Graduates who worked in roles related to government, such as legislative assistants or positions within the U.S. House of Representatives, have clearly leveraged their International Relations backgrounds. Others, particularly those involved in international development, policy analysis, and trade, have found ways to apply their knowledge relevantly. Overall, while there are a few clear alignments with their degree, a significant number of graduates appear to have taken paths that diverge from the core competencies of International Relations and Affairs, often prioritizing immediate job opportunities in various unrelated fields over roles that fully utilize their academic training.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for International Relations and Affairs graduates (this is across all International Relations and Affairs graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to University of Colorado Boulder):
Graduates from the University of Colorado Boulder with a degree in International Relations and Affairs have taken a variety of paths after earning their degrees. For many, the first job out of college seems to range widely, with some finding positions that are somewhat related to their field, while others take jobs that are quite different. For instance, we've seen people start off as English instructors or even in sales roles, which don't directly tie back to International Relations. However, there are also graduates who have jumped straight into impactful roles, like Navy pilots or working as legislative assistants, which allows them to engage with international affairs right from the get-go.
Looking five to ten years down the road, the trajectories differ even more. Some graduates have really carved out robust careers directly related to their major, such as becoming senior legislative assistants or working in policy analysis. Others, though, have veered quite a distance from their studies, ending up in hospitality or corporate roles that focus on sales and consulting. While a number of alumni have indeed landed solid roles in the international or governmental spheres, it appears that a significant portion has ended up in industries less connected to their original field. So, while it’s a mixed bag, there are definitely graduates who have leveraged their education effectively, finding engaging careers that align well with their background in International Relations and Affairs.
Hey! So, when it comes to a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Affairs, especially at a place like the University of Colorado Boulder, it can be a mixed bag. Generally, it’s considered to be about average in terms of difficulty—some courses will really challenge you, especially if you dive into complex theories or global issues, but a lot of it involves reading, writing, and discussing current events, which can be super engaging if you’re into that stuff. You’ll definitely have to stay on top of your work and think critically, but if you’re passionate about the subject, it can feel more rewarding than tough. All in all, if you’re motivated and interested in what you're studying, you’ll likely handle it just fine!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in International Relations and Affairs.
Looking through these graduates' job paths, it seems like there’s a mixed bag when it comes to making decent money. Some of the alums, especially those who went into the military or high-flying roles like Navy pilots and positions at Delta Air Lines, likely racked up a pretty good salary and benefits, which is awesome. Others in service roles or starting out in fields like communications and marketing might not be pulling in as much just yet, especially if their jobs have a tendency to rely on internships or entry-level pay. It’s clear that some are well on their way to solid careers, while others may still be figuring it out, but overall, there’s potential for decent earnings as they gain experience and move up the ladder!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in International Relations and Affairs (this is across all International Relations and Affairs graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to University of Colorado Boulder). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in International Relations and Affairs (ordered by the average relevance score of their International Relations and Affairs graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
College | Score | Count |
---|---|---|
The George Washington University | 70 | 36 |
American University | 64 | 21 |
Boston University | 63 | 12 |
The University of Georgia | 56 | 21 |
University of Southern California | 56 | 13 |
James Madison University | 53 | 11 |
University of California, Davis | 50 | 11 |
University of Colorado Boulder | 49 | 16 |
Florida International University | 47 | 36 |
Florida State University | 45 | 29 |